Best Balkan Countries to Visit: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Are you dreaming about your next vacation but can't decide where to go? The Balkan region might be your perfect destination! With stunning beaches, rich history, amazing food, and affordable prices, the Balkans have something for everyone. This article will help you find the best places to visit in Balkan and plan an unforgettable travel itinerary to the Balkan countries.

This Balkans travel guide is designed for independent travelers, budget-conscious tourists, and adventure seekers looking to explore beyond mainstream European destinations.

What is the Balkans?

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The Balkans is a geographic region in Southeast Europe named after the Balkan Mountains that stretch from the Serbian-Bulgarian border to the Black Sea. But what countries are in the Balkans region? Generally, the Balkan region includes:

• Albania;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Bulgaria;
• Croatia;
• Kosovo;
• Montenegro;
• North Macedonia;
• Romania;
• Serbia;
• Slovenia.

Each country has its own unique culture, language, and traditions, making the Balkans one of Europe's most diverse regions. Despite being relatively small in size, the differences you'll experience traveling between these countries can be remarkable!

Pro Tip: Before your trip, download the Yesim app and purchase an eSIM plan for the Balkan countries you'll visit. Having reliable mobile internet from the moment you land will help you navigate between countries effortlessly and stay connected throughout your journey.

Best Time to Visit Balkan Countries

The best time to visit the Balkans depends on what you want to do and see.

Planning to visit multiple Balkan countries? With Yesim's regional data plans, you can enjoy unlimited internet across borders without changing SIM cards or worrying about excessive roaming charges.

Best Places to Visit in the Balkans

If you can only visit a few destinations, don't miss these Balkan highlights.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

This stunning lake is one of Europe's oldest and deepest. The charming town features beautiful Byzantine churches and cobblestone streets that feel frozen in time.

Facts:

• Over 1.5 million years old and 288m deep;
• UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979;
• Home to more than 200 endemic species;
• St. Naum Monastery dates back to 905 AD.

How to get there: Fly to Skopje Airport and take a 3-hour bus to Ohrid, or fly directly to Ohrid Airport during summer months. From neighboring Albania, regular buses run from Tirana (4 hours).

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The "Pearl of the Adriatic" features impressive stone walls surrounding a perfectly preserved medieval city with baroque buildings and marble streets.

Facts:

• Its city walls stretch 1.9km and reach 25m in height;
• Game of Thrones filming location for "King's Landing";
• Founded in the 7th century as "Ragusa";
• Survived a devastating earthquake in 1667.

How to get there: Fly directly to Dubrovnik Airport, just 20km from the city center. Ferry connections are available from Italy during summer. Buses connect Dubrovnik with major cities throughout Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia.

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Where east meets west, this vibrant capital showcases Ottoman bazaars alongside Austro-Hungarian architecture, creating a unique cultural blend.

Facts:

• Known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its religious diversity;
• Site of the assassination that sparked WWI in 1914;
• Hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics;
• Survived the longest siege in modern warfare (1992-1996).

How to get there: Fly to Sarajevo International Airport, or take daily buses from neighboring countries. Train connections exist from Zagreb (Croatia) and Belgrade (Serbia), though buses are often faster and more reliable.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

This stunning natural harbor resembles a Norwegian fjord, dotted with medieval towns and backed by dramatic limestone mountains.

Facts:

• Europe's southernmost fjord;
• UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkably preserved medieval architecture;
• Surrounded by mountains over 1,000m high;
• Home to the stunning Our Lady of the Rocks, a church built on an artificial island.

How to get there: Fly to Tivat Airport located right on the bay, or to Podgorica Airport (1.5 hours away). Buses connect from Dubrovnik (2 hours) and other regional cities. Many visitors arrive via cruise ships.

Lake Bled, Sloveniа

A fairytale landscape featuring a crystal-clear lake with a small island, topped by a charming church and overlooked by a medieval cliff-top castle.

Facts:

• The island's Church of the Assumption contains a "wishing bell" from 1534;
• Bled Castle is over 1,000 years old;
• The lake is fed by thermal springs, keeping it warmer than other Alpine lakes;
• Famous for kremšnita cream cake, a local delicacy since 1953.

How to get there: Fly to Ljubljana Airport and take a shuttle bus (30 minutes) or regular bus (1 hour). Direct buses also run from Vienna, and Zagreb. Train connections require a change at Jesenice station.

Albanian Riviera, Albania

Crystal-clear waters rival the Mediterranean's best beaches, with the added bonus of mountain backdrops and prices a fraction of neighboring countries.

Facts:

• Stretches about 130km from Vlora to Saranda;
• Ksamil beaches feature small islands you can swim to;
• Himarë and Dhermi are the most popular beach towns;
• Ancient ruins of Butrint nearby are a UNESCO site.

How to get there: Fly to Tirana and drive south (3-4 hours), or take buses to main coastal towns. During summer, ferries connect from Corfu, Greece to Saranda (30 minutes). The newly improved coastal road makes driving a pleasant option.

Belgrade, Serbia

The Balkans' largest city offers energetic nightlife along the Danube, fascinating museums, and fortress views that tell stories of its strategic importance.

Facts:

• One of Europe's oldest cities, settled since 7000 BC;
• Belgrade Fortress has been destroyed and rebuilt over 40 times;
• The Church of Saint Sava is one of the world's largest Orthodox churches;
• Known for floating river clubs called "splavovi" that create a unique nightlife scene.

How to get there: Fly to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, well-connected to major European cities. Train connections from Budapest, Vienna, and Zagreb operate daily. The central bus station offers connections to most Balkan destinations.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city charms visitors with its Roman amphitheater, colorful National Revival architecture, and hip creative district.

Facts:

• Continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years;
• Was European Capital of Culture in 2019;
• Roman Stadium could seat 30,000 spectators;
• Features unique revival-era houses with colorful facades.

How to get there: Fly to Sofia and take a 2-hour bus or train to Plovdiv. Direct buses connect from Istanbul, Greece, and Romania. Plovdiv has its own small airport with seasonal flights. The city is easily walkable once you arrive.

Memory Making: Capture and share these incredible Balkan experiences instantly with friends back home. Yesim's reliable high-speed connection means you can post photos and videos without waiting for hotel WiFi.

Which Balkan Countries to Visit?

If you're wondering what is the best Balkan country to visit, here are some suggested combinations based on your interests.

Travel Planning Pro Tip: Before finalizing your itinerary, check Yesim's coverage map to ensure your eSIM will work throughout your journey. Their plans cover all Balkan countries with strong reception even in many rural areas.

Beach Vacations: The Best Seaside Resorts in the Balkans

The Adriatic and Mediterranean coastlines of the Balkans offer some of Europe's most beautiful and affordable beach destinations.

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Croatia's coastline is famous worldwide for its crystal-clear waters and historic towns. Top beach destinations include:

• Dubrovnik - The "Pearl of the Adriatic" with stunning medieval walls and beautiful nearby beaches.
• Split - Historic city with Bacvice Beach right in the center.
• Hvar Island - Lavender-scented island with secluded coves and vibrant nightlife.
• Brac Island - Home to the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach that changes shape with the currents.

While Croatia has become more expensive in recent years, it still offers better value than most Western European beach destinations. Croatia's stunning coastline is perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

With Yesim's high-speed data plans for Croatia, you can instantly share your beach moments and video call friends to show off the crystal-clear Adriatic waters.

Montenegro's Coastal Gems

Montenegro packs an incredible variety of beaches into its short coastline:

• Budva - Lively resort town with beautiful Old Town and numerous beaches.
• Sveti Stefan - Iconic islet-hotel with pink pebble beaches nearby.
• Bay of Kotor - Not typical beaches, but stunning swimming spots along one of Europe's most beautiful bays.
• Ulcinj - Long sandy beaches with a distinct Albanian influence.

Read also: Mobile Internet in Montenegro: SIM Cards and Alternative Connectivity Options for Tourists

Albania's Undiscovered Riviera

Albania offers perhaps the best value beach vacation in all of Europe:

• Ksamil - Caribbean-like waters and small islands you can swim to.
• Dhermi - Dramatic mountain backdrop and crystal-clear turquoise water.
• Saranda - Vibrant coastal city near the Greek border with great beaches.
• Vlora - Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, with lovely beaches and affordable prices.

Travel Smart: When heading to beach vacations in Albania and Montenegro or Croatia, download maps and translation tools in advance with your Yesim eSIM. Many beach areas have limited signage in English, and reliable mobile internet will help you navigate like a local.

Cultural and Historical Tourism in the Balkans

The Balkans are a living museum where ancient, medieval, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and communist histories converge. Best cities for traveling in the Balkans:

• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Where East meets West, with visible Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences all within a compact city center.
• Belgrade, Serbia - Vibrant capital with an impressive fortress, dynamic nightlife, and fascinating mix of architectural styles.
• Sofia, Bulgaria - Ancient city with Roman ruins beneath the streets and beautiful Orthodox churches.
• Ljubljana, Slovenia - Charming riverside capital with a pedestrian center and fairytale castle
• Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Famous for its iconic bridge and well-preserved Ottoman quarter.

Historical sites and UNESCO sites of Balkans often have limited information in English. With reliable internet from your Yesim eSIM, you can access real-time translation apps and online guides to better understand the rich history around you.

Natural Beauty and Active Tourism

The Balkan region offers breathtaking natural landscapes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You need to visit these Balkan nature parks:

• Durmitor National Park (Montenegro) - Dramatic limestone peaks, glacial lakes, and the spectacular Tara River Canyon.
• Triglav National Park (Slovenia) - Alpine paradise with mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
• Pirin National Park (Bulgaria) - UNESCO-protected mountains with over 70 glacial lakes
• Una National Park (Bosnia) - Emerald river with spectacular waterfalls.
• Mavrovo National Park (North Macedonia) - Diverse landscape with lakes, forests, and traditional villages.

When exploring remote natural areas, having reliable mobile connectivity is essential for safety. Yesim's eSIM ensures you're always connected to call for help if needed or check weather conditions before heading out.

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Gastronomic Tourism in the Balkans

Balkan cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, Turkish, and Central European influences. Each country has its specialties, but you'll find these common threads:

• Croatia - Fresh seafood, black risotto, and truffle dishes in Istria.
• Serbia – gastronomic tourism in Serbia is very popular, try Ćevapi, Pljeskavica, Rakija.
• Montenegro - Njeguški pršut (prosciutto) and cheese from the Durmitor region.
• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Burek (meat pastry), Bosanski lonac (meat and vegetable stew).
• Albania - Tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and seafood on the coast.
• Bulgaria - Shopska salad, banitsa (cheese pastry), and excellent yogurt.
• North Macedonia - Ajvar (red pepper spread), tavče gravče (bean stew).

Foodie Tip: Use your Yesim eSIM to find hidden local restaurants where tourists rarely go. Online translation apps will help you read menus and communicate with staff, while maps will guide you to authentic food markets and neighborhood eateries.

Budget Travel in the Balkans

One of the greatest advantages of traveling in the Balkans is affordability. Let’s find the cheapest Balkan country to visit. From most affordable to least:

• Albania - Exceptional value with beach accommodation from €20/night and meals under €5.
• North Macedonia - Very affordable with excellent food and accommodation bargains.
• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Low prices throughout the country, even in tourist areas.
• Serbia - Belgrade is pricier than the countryside, but still very reasonable.
• Bulgaria - EU member but prices remain low, especially outside Sofia and ski resorts.
• Montenegro - Coastal areas can be expensive in summer, but inland is very affordable.
• Romania - Great value compared to Western Europe.
• Croatia - The most expensive Balkan country, especially along the coast in summer.

Smart Savings: Skip expensive international roaming charges by using Yesim's affordable data plans. You'll save significantly compared to traditional roaming while enjoying reliable connectivity for finding budget accommodations, cheap eats, and free activities.

What is the Best Way to Travel in the Balkans?

Getting around the Balkans has become much easier in recent years, though some areas still present challenges:

When driving through multiple Balkan countries, your Yesim eSIM ensures you always have GPS navigation working across borders. No more stressful paper map reading or getting lost on rural roads!

Border Crossings

Remember that not all Balkan countries are in the EU or Schengen zone:

• EU members: Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece;
• Non-EU: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia.

Always check visa requirements in advance.

Mobile Internet and Communication in the Balkans

Staying connected while traveling in the Balkans is essential for navigation, translation, and sharing your experiences. When traveling across multiple Balkan countries, you have several options:

• International roaming - Convenient but extremely expensive.
• Local SIM cards - Affordable but requires buying a new SIM in each country.
• Portable WiFi - Expensive rental costs and another device to carry.
• eSIM service - The most convenient and cost-effective solution.

With unlimited internet from Yesim, you can use Google Maps for navigation, Google Translate for menus and signs, stay in touch with family via video calls, and post all your amazing Balkan photos instantly!

Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected with SIM Cards and Mobile Data in Croatia

Conclusion

Don't wait to explore this incredible region! Download the Yesim app today and choose the perfect eSIM plan for your Balkan journey. With affordable unlimited internet across all Balkan countries, you'll travel with confidence knowing you're always connected. Visit Yesim website to get started and use promo code for 10% off your first eSIM purchase!

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